Kerry The Un-Bush, Dean The Un-Gore

[DrFunkenstein]

The New Hampshire primary is beginning to look like a contest between Sen. John Kerry of neighboring Massachusetts and former Gov. Howard Dean of neighboring Vermont. The latest New Hampshire poll standings show Kerry (26 percent) and Dean (19 percent) at the top of the pack, followed by Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri.

But Kerry and Dean have something more going for them than neighborliness. Kerry is the un-Bush. And Dean is the un-Gore.

A Washington Post profile described Kerry as "smart," "nuanced," and "complex" in his thinking. Those are not words often used to describe Bush. For Democrats looking for someone very different from Bush, Kerry's their man.

Dean presents himself as the Democrat who stands up to Bush—unlike Washington Democrats who voted to authorize the war in Iraq, as Kerry did. "As I travel around the country, rank-and-file Democrats are just as mad at the Democratic Party as they are at Republicans, because they don't feel the Democrats in Washington have stood up to the president," Dean said in New Hampshire this month, adding, "I am not that way."

Like many Democrats, Dean criticizes Gore for running away from the Clinton record in 2000. Dean says he won't do that. He's the un-Gore.

EDITED BY ADMIN: COPYRIGHT

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/nj/schneider2003-06-17.htm

[dsc]

1. I think that is a bit of a stretch

to say the least. Dean carries passion but so did Gore. I think Gore got a bum rap all along. But I also think the idea Dean is the anti Gore is not very accurate. Both Kerry and Dean are their own people, with their own plans, and their own visions. I think it demeans them to call them the anti this person or the Democratic McCain.

[Byronic]

2. Agreed

they are their own men. Still, I bet they would both love to be the 'Democratic McCain' in New Hampshire come January....

[Larkspur]

3. Dean reminds me of a cross between Huey Long and Harry Truman

Huey Long was more socialist than Dean, but Long used the technology of his day -- automobile and direct mail -- to get his populist message out and win the Louisiana governorship in 1928 and eventually a seat in the US Senate.

Like Truman, Dean wants accountability from Bush and from the Dem leaders who caved into Bush over the Iraq War vote.

Dean's campaign is all about igniting a paradigm shift in American politics. If he succeeds, Dean will make the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform bill mute and force all politicians to go to the people directly for support, not special interests. This will rejuvenate participatory democracy in our country. This is another reason why I support Dean.

[polpilot]

5. Summary: American Revolution...The Sequel (courtesy Dean)

Take back the country. 1 man 1 vote. Democracy rules!!!!

Dean '04

[CMT]

4. I also see Dean as the un-Bush

Bush--leaves nation with record deficits
Dean--leaves Vermont with $10 million surplus

Bush--starts an immoral war on Iraq
Dean--opposes an immoral war on Iraq

Bush--passes Leave No Child Behind but doesn't provide $$ for it
Dean--constantly points out hypocriscy behind this fact

Bush--over 2 million people added to rolls of uninsured during term
Dean--provides health insurance for most children in his state.

Bush--opposes Civil Unions for Gays.
Dean--signed a landmark civil unions bill as governor.

Bush--opposes a womans right to choose.
Dean--supports a womans right to choose 100%.

[Dear Prudence]

6. I see Dean as a show of his own

While Kerry may be "smart," "nuanced," and "complex" in his thinking", in contrast, the one thing that did/does appeal to Bush supporters is Bush's simple, straight forward talk. Kerry (and Lieberman/Gerphardt) may be too complex in getting their point across to the people to appeal to that broader base. Dean doesn't have to prove his intelligence or complexity. He's got the record to prove his capability. More Americans are aware of National Security because 911 brought it home. There lies Dean's hardest obstacle. Kerry may appeal better here, but he voted for Iraq. Alot is going to depend on how Bush comes out on the war with Iraq. Alot is going to depend on if this Administration can continue to coverup the truth. Alot is going to depend on how much information the average American gets. If America "gets it" - they are going to hold contempt for not only the Administration, but those sitting in Congress who failed to ask the questions and stand up to the truth. Then........ there's the economy. Dean can come out on top of that too.

But, to compare these candidates to past candidates is just a waste of time and I feel the media is just filling air time to avoid the real issues - the truth.